Myalgia as the major symptom in systemic panniculitis (Weber-Christian disease)

A case of systemic panniculitis (Weber-Christian disease) presenting with myalgia as the main clinical symptom is reported. There was no laboratory or electromyographic evidence of myogenic disturbance. Biopsy of the painful muscle revealed nonspecific mononuclear cell infiltration in the epimysial fatty tissue, while the muscle fibers remained intact. Prednisolone was dramatically effective in alleviating the myalgia as well as the other signs of panniculitis. The present case may indicate that myalgia in systemic panniculitis is one manifestation of its systemic connective tissue involvement.